Piece by piece, the new Wickham transport interchange has risen up in recent months like a giant Meccano set. The latest addition was the installation of tracks between Railway Street and platforms 1 and 2.

“Almost 300 staff worked tirelessly to lay the tracks while trains weren't running during the planned rail shutdown at the weekend,” Revitalising Newcastle program director Michael Cassel said.

The finishing touches will be applied to the interchange in preparation for the commencement of operations in November.

The trackwork follows the installation of train stabling and turn-back facilities, and other track work west of the interchange.

“Newcastle Interchange will integrate trains, buses, taxis and a kiss and ride bay, and light rail once services start in early 2019,” Mr Cassel said.

“The new interchange will be a key hub in Newcastle’s brand new integrated transport system that will transform the way people move around the city centre.”